Bausch Health announces XIFAXAN selection in Northeast.
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC) and its GI business, Salix Pharmaceuticals, expressed their recognition that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has chosen XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets for the second round of negotiation in the Inflation Reduction Act, which is part of the Drug Price Negotiation program set to take effect in 2027.
The company is eager to engage in open discussions with CMS, aiming to provide insights into the valuable role that XIFAXAN® plays in the healthcare ecosystem. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) have both awarded XIFAXAN® the highest possible recommendation (Grade I, A,1) in their practice guidelines.
Bausch Health remains dedicated to advocating for patient access to essential medications and supporting ongoing innovation in the healthcare industry. They are committed to promoting an environment that facilitates these goals and ensures that patients receive the critical treatments they need.
XIFAXAN® is indicated for reducing the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence in adults and treating irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. However, it is important to note that it is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to rifaximin, rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any of the components in XIFAXAN. Adverse reactions to XIFAXAN may occur, including exfoliative dermatitis, angioneurotic edema, and anaphylaxis.
Additionally, caution should be exercised in patients with severe hepatic impairment or those taking concomitant P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and/or OATPs inhibitors. The potential for adverse effects from the interaction of XIFAXAN with these inhibitors should be carefully monitored and managed to ensure patient safety.
In clinical studies, common adverse reactions to XIFAXAN included peripheral edema, constipation, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, ascites, dizziness, urinary tract infection, anemia, and pruritus for patients with hepatic encephalopathy. For patients with IBS-D, common adverse reactions included nausea and increased ALT levels.
It is essential to monitor INR and prothrombin time when using rifaximin and warfarin concurrently, as INR changes have been reported in such cases. XIFAXAN may pose a risk of fetal harm, so pregnant women should be informed of the potential risks associated with its use.
In conclusion, Bausch Health Companies Inc. is a global pharmaceutical company focused on improving healthcare outcomes. Through its subsidiary Salix Pharmaceuticals, Bausch Health is a leader in the development and marketing of specialty pharmaceutical products for gastrointestinal diseases. Their commitment to patient care, innovation, and access to critical medications underscores their role as a trusted and valued healthcare provider.
